UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has announced student insurance rates for the 2026-27 academic year. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State, provided through UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, continues to offer a comprehensive health insurance option for students without adequate coverage and meets the mandatory insurance requirement.
SHIP for Penn State is offered by the University as a voluntary health insurance option for students who do not have existing coverage.
Students are strongly encouraged to consider enrollment if they do not have reliable access to coverage near their campus. The plan is designed specifically for Penn State students and offers broad, nationwide provider access and platinum-level coverage at a competitive rate.
New rates announced for 2026-27
For the 2026-27 academic year:
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The annual individual rate for undergraduate students will be $4,365, billed by semester ($1,686 for fall; $2,679 for spring/summer).
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The annual individual rate for graduate and law students will be $5,295, billed by semester ($2,045 for fall; $3,250 for spring/summer).
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The annual individual rate for graduate assistants, fellows and trainees reflects a total plan cost of $5,295 ($2,045 for fall; $3,250 for spring/summer). After Penn State's 80% subsidy, eligible students pay approximately $409 for fall and $650 for spring/summer — roughly $1,059 annually.
The new rates reflect an annual increase of $747 for undergraduate students and $887 for graduate and law students compared to 2025-26 published rates. These changes reflect the sustained rise in healthcare and prescription drug costs across the country. As with prior years, this adjustment reflects broader market conditions rather than University-driven decisions, and rates are reviewed annually by the Student Insurance Advisory Board, which includes student representatives, and Student Insurance Administrative Council.
For detailed rate information, including updated rates for spouses and dependents, visit the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State website, which provides guides for all coverage options.
Enrollment process
SHIP is available to eligible students at all Penn State campuses, with the exception of World Campus. Students can sign up for the plan during open enrollment, which runs through Sept. 1 for fall 2026. Spring and summer 2027 enrollment will run from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 19, 2027.
All students are required to submit proof of current health insurance coverage through LionPATH following course registration. Those without adequate coverage may use this process to enroll in SHIP for Penn State.
International student requirements
International students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage while enrolled at Penn State. Students may request a waiver by providing proof of qualifying third-party coverage. Those who do not submit a waiver by Sept. 1 will be automatically enrolled in SHIP for Penn State and billed accordingly.
Commitment to affordability and access
Penn State remains committed to managing health insurance costs while continuing to provide access to high-quality coverage. SHIP for Penn State offers students a low deductible, capped out-of-pocket costs and access to in-network care throughout the U.S. and internationally. The plan remains priced significantly lower than comparable plans available through the open marketplace in Pennsylvania and beyond.
SHIP for Penn State is offered as a service to students and Penn State does not profit from the plan. Insurance provider selection, plan design and rate considerations are developed with input from the Student Insurance Advisory Board and Student Insurance Administrative Council. The council includes representatives from the Graduate and Professional Student Association, University Park Undergraduate Association, Commonwealth Campus Student Government and international student organizations.
For more information about the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State, visit the SHIP for Penn State webpage or reach out via email at uhs-insurance@psu.edu.